DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas remain one of the most recognizable couples in women’s basketball, and in 2026 their story has a new backdrop: playing together for the Phoenix Mercury as the team fights for a playoff spot. From their years as All-Star teammates in Connecticut to their reunion in Arizona, the pair continues to draw attention both for their play on the court and their bond off it.
Who Are DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas
DeWanna Bonner is a 16-year WNBA veteran and one of the league’s most prolific scorers. She currently ranks among the top all-time leading scorers in league history and has built a résumé that includes two WNBA championships and six All-Star selections.
Alyssa Thomas is widely regarded as one of the most versatile forwards the WNBA has ever produced. She holds the league’s all-time record for triple-doubles and has represented Team USA at the Olympics. Together, the two stars have become fixtures of the league both for their production and their relationship, which fans and media have followed closely since it became public.
How Their Relationship Began
Bonner and Thomas first crossed paths through USA Basketball and as opponents when Bonner played for the Phoenix Mercury. Their connection deepened after Bonner was traded to the Connecticut Sun in 2020, where the two became teammates. The couple went public with their relationship on Valentine’s Day 2021.
Thomas proposed to Bonner in July 2023, shortly after the two played together in the WNBA All-Star Game. The Connecticut Sun announced the engagement on social media with a photo of Thomas on one knee, captioned simply, “FOREVER.” The pair have described their relationship as a balance of personalities, with Bonner often noting that Thomas helps calm her pregame anxiety, while Thomas has praised Bonner’s caring nature both on the court and as a mother.
Career Paths That Brought Them Back Together
Bonner’s career has taken several turns since the couple’s engagement. After five seasons with the Connecticut Sun, she signed with the Indiana Fever as a free agent ahead of the 2025 season. That stint was short-lived: Bonner appeared in only nine games with Indiana before being waived in July 2025.
She quickly found her way back to Phoenix, signing with the Mercury on July 8, 2025, reuniting with Thomas, who had also joined the Mercury. On April 12, 2026, the Phoenix Mercury officially re-signed Bonner for the 2026 season, marking her 17th WNBA season and 12th with the franchise. Mercury general manager Nick U’Ren called her return “incredibly meaningful,” pointing to her championship experience and leadership as key reasons for bringing her back.
Thomas was also re-signed by Phoenix on the same day, alongside teammate Kahleah Copper, cementing the Mercury’s core for the 2026 season.
The Caitlin Clark Controversy
The couple faced heightened public scrutiny in late June 2026 after separate on-court incidents involving Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. During a June 22 game between the Mercury and the Fever, Bonner was given a technical foul following a heated exchange with Clark and Fever guard Sophie Cunningham that quickly went viral on social media.
Days later, Thomas was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul and handed a one-game suspension after a hard foul on Clark during a game the following week. The incident drew significant backlash online, and Thomas later revealed she had received death threats over the play. Amid the criticism, Bonner posted a supportive message and personal photos with Thomas on Instagram, captioned “Mood,” which drew an outpouring of support from fans defending the couple.
Their 2026 Season With the Phoenix Mercury
The 2026 season has been a challenging one for the Mercury as a team, though both Bonner and Thomas have continued to contribute significantly. Thomas has been a driving force for Phoenix, ranking among the team leaders in rebounds and assists per game and continuing her reputation as one of the league’s most complete players. She was honored earlier in the season when the Connecticut Sun retired her jersey number in recognition of her 10 years with the franchise.
As of mid-August 2026, Phoenix has been fighting to stay in playoff contention, sitting outside the top spots in the Western Conference standings. Despite the team’s inconsistent record, Bonner and Thomas have remained central figures in the locker room, with Thomas often cited as the emotional and statistical engine of the roster.
Life Off the Court
Away from basketball, Bonner and Thomas continue to build a life together while managing the demands of professional sports. Bonner is also a mother of twin daughters, Cali and Demi, whom she shares with her ex-wife, former WNBA player Candice Dupree. Both Bonner and Thomas have spoken publicly about how their relationship helps them navigate the pressures of the league, with Thomas describing how the couple pushes each other to perform at their best while also supporting one another through difficult stretches.
The couple has also been featured in multiple media profiles celebrating their relationship, including cover stories that highlight their journey from teammates to fiancées and their approach to balancing love and elite competition.
What’s Next for the Couple
With the WNBA playoffs approaching, all eyes remain on whether the Phoenix Mercury can secure a postseason berth behind the continued efforts of Thomas and Bonner. Off the court, fans continue to follow the couple’s relationship closely, though neither has publicly announced a wedding date as of this writing.
Have thoughts on DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas’s journey together? Drop a comment below and stay tuned for more updates on the WNBA’s favorite power couple.